“John’s a very talented guy. He could do whatever would be asked. Outside of that, I’m not going to critique, ‘This guy can do this, this guy can do that.’ If they’re working here (they can do the job) -- and especially in John’s case. He’s been trained by Ron, he’s worked with us, he has a lot of experience. And talent."

Asked how big of a loss it would be if Dorsey departed, Thompson replied, "I think the system is the system, and it’s built so you have people that are cross-trained. We do a lot of that. That’s the way we do our drat prep, that’s the way we do our free-agent prep. Everybody is involved in it, whether they’re on the college side or the pro side. But at the same time, while you’re very happen when guys get opportunities – and well-deserved opportuntiies – I think it’s natural to think, ‘It’d be nice if you could keep ‘em all together.’ It just doesn’t work out that way. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.”

One thing to remember RE Dorsey: The Packers strongly believe that you stick with your draft board and take the BPA. That has been their philosophy. So don't be utterly shocked if Geno Smith isn't taken No 1 overall if they feel that spot is a stretch for QB (although I still expect his stock to rise in the offseason workouts).

That said, we may also have a better chance to trade down or trade back up into the later first round with Reid and Dorsey, because they would likely have better relationships in the GM community than Pioli did, who appeared to mainly be able to just deal with his former associates...